Android 7.1 Developer Preview coming late October

[XAMI]

Those with Nexus devices will soon be able to update their handsets to Android 7.1, which was first shown off on Google's new Pixel smartphones. The Android 7.1 Developer Previewwill be released later this month, bringing a small collection of new features and improvements.

Google Assistant will not be included with Android 7.1, as it remains an exclusive feature of the Pixel and Pixel XL for the time being. However, Android 7.1 does bring other features, such as support for Google's VR ecosystem, Daydream, as well as an app shortcut API and support for image keyboards.

The app shortcut API allows Android apps to produce up to five action shortcuts from their icon on the homescreen, similar to 3D Touch on iOS although without the need for a pressure-sensitive touchscreen. Image keyboard support means developers can finally produce proper GIF keyboards that can be used across a variety of apps.

The first developer preview for Android 7.1 will be released at the end of October for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Pixel C. The final release of the operating system seems to be scheduled for before the end of this year, and that's when older Nexus devices like the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 will receive an update.